Almanack Contributor Billy Trudsoe

Billy Trudsoe is a native of Chestertown who is a professional chef in the Adirondacks. Billy has worked in a variety of kitchens around Northern New York

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Warrensburg’s Merrill Magee Inn Plans Summer Opening

by Billy Trudsoe

The Merrill Magee Inn in the heart of Warrensburg is undergoing a full restoration thanks in part to the new partnership between Michael and Donna Flanagan and Richard Flanagan and his wife Leslie Qin, all originally from New Jersey. The new owners hope to have the extensive renovations done and the tavern and restaurant open sometime this summer, although ten guest rooms are already available.

Brothers Michael and Richard have been regular visitors to the Adirondacks. After Michael and Donna moved to the region in 2004, they hosted an annual family party at the Inn admiring the combination of a comfortable night’s stay and a great meal. » Continue Reading.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

At SUNY Adirondack Local Chefs Mentor Future Pros

by Billy Trudsoe

The SUNY Adirondack culinary arts program has opened their doors to the public at their culinary center, featuring a full dining room and an open kitchen. I recently had lunch with students from this semester’s basic food prep and dining service classes.

How often when dining, do you get to see the chefs in action? For some of these future chefs their experience at the culinary center is their first on a hot line. The prep area was a busy scene when I arrived, as students were focused on finishing their mise en place (“putting in place”, or setting up) in preparation for lunch.
» Continue Reading.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Winter Welcome: Frederick’s in Bolton Landing

by Billy Trudsoe

With the tourist season having slowed down, many local restaurants take a much-needed break, but a few remain open. Frederick’s on Main Street in Bolton Landing is open seven days a week and is a local (and personal) favorite.

During summer Fredrick’s offers more than a meal with its large deck, regular entertainment and raw bar, but in Bolton’s off-season, a cozy fireplace, tasty soups, and a large selection of spirits add wind to the winter doldrums.

Thursdays in the off-season Frederick’s offers half-priced entrees, bringing locals in droves, even on the coldest Adirondack evenings. » Continue Reading.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Lake George From Green Island Bridge

by Billy Trudsoe

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Culinary Tradition Continues At Friends Lake Inn

by Billy Trudsoe

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One of the more venerable establishments in the Adirondacks, Friends Lake Inn was built in the early 1860’s as a boarding house for workers in the local tannery. Originally known as Murphy’s Friends Lake Inn, by the time of prohibition it was a summer retreat easily reached by horse-drawn carriage from the Glen Station on the Saratoga to North Creek rail line.

Like many local hotels and motels in the area Friends Lake Inn fell on hard times with the construction of the Northway (Interstate I-87) nearby and closed in 1969. After 15 years Greg and Sharon Taylor purchased the building and transformed it into in the luxury country inn it remains today, with a focus on fine food and an exceptional wine cellar of more than 2,000 bottles from around the world. Recently the Inn was purchased by John and Tammy Breymaier of Fredericksburg, Virginia who plan to modernize the guest rooms, and have already added local craft beers and new wines. » Continue Reading.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

View of Lake George from Rogers Park, Bolton Landing

by Billy Trudsoe

A view of Lake George today from Rogers Park in Bolton Landing with the Sagamore Hotel and Black Mountain in the distance.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The Water’s Edge Marina on Lake George

by Billy Trudsoe

The Water’s Edge Marina on Lake George has been family owned and operated for over 44 years. This hidden gem next to the bridge in Bolton Landing offers local favorites from their kitchen, fully equipped cottages with fireplaces and sun-decks, a pool, and a new fleet of rental boats.

This seasonal spot was opened in 1971 by the Waters family, and is now in its third generation of fast, friendly service. » Continue Reading.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

The Chateau On The Lake In Bolton Landing

by Billy Trudsoe

The Chateau On The Lake, one of Bolton Landing’s newest fine dining restaurants, has simply fantastic food, on point service, a beautiful view, and a great atmosphere. Originally a boathouse on the lake, the building was moved up hill and converted into the home of Hugh Allen Wilson, a talented musician. After Wilson’s death in 2010, the house was purchased by Ed and Jennifer Foy who converted it into The Chateau and brought in Chefs Shaun Hazlitt, Tyren Crain and Bert R. Soto.

The culinary creations change frequently throughout the seasons, but one item that has become an instant favorite is the Cheese and Charcuterie Board for Two. The Board consist of a variety of five cheeses and five meats such as Stilton, Manchango, Montchevre Goat, a triple crème imported brie, Prosciutto di Parma, Australian Speck, Soppressata and hot Italian Capicolla. The board is garnished with tear drop peppers, green pitta queen & Kalamata olives, toasted Pistachios, a garlic rubbed Crostini, and heirloom tomato jam. » Continue Reading.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Bolton Landing: The Lakeside Lodge & Grille

by Billy Trudsoe

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The Lakeside Lodge & Grille offers a slice of Adirondack atmosphere in the quiet village of Bolton Landing. Established as The Lakeside Lodge in 1945 by the Keating family, the restaurant (which then included guest rooms above) was purchased by the Scott family in 1972 and renamed The House of Scotts.

The Current owners, Art and Nicole Baker, purchased the business in 2006 and returned to the name as The Lakeside Lodge & Grille. The Bakers are hands-on owners and active citizens in their community.

Although their menu offers a variety of selections – fresh fish, hand cut steaks, gluten-free options – two staples are the Spicy Corn Chowder and The Crown Island. The bowl of the chowder is a meal unto itself, and the The Crown Island is one of my personal favorites. It features generous portions of turkey and pastrami with swiss cheese, cole slaw and thousand island dressing on panni pressed marble rye bread. It’s a knock out. » Continue Reading.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014